Geneva 2009: Honda Accord Tourer Type-S
by Sam Abuelsamid on Mar 4th 2009 at 9:33AM 
Click the Accord tourer for a high res gallery
The car pictured above represents some of my favorite features in a main-stream car: it's a wagon and it's a diesel. I'm also fully aware that I am in a distinct minority on both counts among drivers in the U.S. market. This is the new European-market Honda Accord Tourer Type-S. We get the sedan version in the U.S., badged as the Acura TSX. Personally, I prefer the wagon version because it retains the overall size and dynamic characteristics of a sedan while adding a huge dollop of utility when needed. It's also quite a handsome car. Rumor has it we'll see this body style appear as a new Honda CUV in the states this fall with the high-riding Outback treatment.
The wagon is not new to Europe but the new Type-S (also available as a sedan) is. The Type-S Accord gets a 178 hp version of Honda's new iDTEC 2.2L diesel four cylinder with a stiff 280 lb-ft of torque. The Type-S gets larger 18" wheels and bumper and sill extensions for a more aggressive look. Unfortunately, this is very likely the car we were supposed to get as a TSX this year. However, market conditions have forced Honda to indefinitely cancel those plans. What a shame.
Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
180 PS i-DTEC Engine for Accord Sedan and Tourer
Alongside the Insight and ASIMO will be the introduction of the new 180PS derivative of the acclaimed Honda i-DTEC diesel engine. This new higher-power variant produces 180 PS at 4000 rpm, a 30 PS increase over the standard i-DTEC engine with the peak power coming at the same rpm. Torque has also increased 30 Nm to 380 Nm at 2000 rpm.
The enhanced engine will be fitted to the Accord in a new Type-S variant. As well as the significant increase in power this new model will gain new lower bumper sections, front chin spoiler, sill extensions, smoke chrome finished grille. The new model will be available in two new paint colours with White Pearl and Basque Red joining the current colour line up.
Complimenting this suite of cosmetic changes will be clear indicator covers to further distinguish the new Type-S model. In addition, this model will be equipped with a new design of 18" alloy wheels, giving the Type-S a more sporting stance.
The new engine retains its 2.2 litre capacity and gains its additional power with a revised turbo-charger housing, enlarged intercooler, stronger con-rods and a revised cylinder head. These modifications release the full potential of the critically acclaimed i-DTEC engine, allowing it to deliver excellent usable performance and good fuel economy.
Performance, fuel economy and emissions data will be available once homologation is completed. The Type-S goes on sale in some European markets from this summer.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Yikes 9:39AM (3/04/2009)
Please Honda.
Bring that Wagon to the USA.
I'll take the red one in that photo. Diesel, manual transmission.
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PeterG 9:50AM (3/04/2009)
This is where real and easy improvement in fuel economy can come from.
Replacing bloated SUVs/Minivans with wagons that give most all the practicality they need while using much less fuel.
I won't buy another car with a trunk unless it is a second, sporty fun car.
My main car needs a hatch for practicality. Sedans: Useless IMO.
I don't know why American turned against wagons, but I would love to see that trend reversed.
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paulwesterberg 12:57PM (3/04/2009)
I agree, my prius is slightly smaller than my last car, but with the fold down seats & hatch it has much more useful cargo room than my previous sedan.
TK 1:37PM (3/04/2009)
I love it. Where do I sign up for one? Sport wagons are my idea of the perfect car. I started to fall in love with them in Europe in the late 90s when I saw the Audi RS2 Avant. How could anyone not love a mean, all-wheel drive sport wagon with Porsche brakes? Bring more of these cars to the U.S. please!!!
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Jharlan 10:44AM (3/04/2009)
I'm with you, Sam. That is a car I would like to own. Practicality, comfort, dependability and economy along with decent performance. It doesn't look that bad either.
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Jim 12:56PM (3/04/2009)
As I relocate to a home in the Colorado mountains, I am looking to move from an '03 BMW 530i to a 4WD. Rather than settle for a Subie, I would wait a while for this one!
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DKB_SATX 1:48PM (3/04/2009)
"Settle for a Subie" eh? Try driving an Legacy GT against a TSX and see if you still think it's "settling." I am lucky enough to have bought my Legacy GT Wagon while they still sold them in the US, now you'd have to have an Outback with taller, squishier suspension but the version of this car they're talking about bringing will also be tall and squishy because Hondacura plan to ruin a good wagon by pretending it's an SUV.
slk23 3:00PM (3/04/2009)
If you like your BMW, why not get one of their AWD models? xDrive, their AWD system, is available in the 3 and 5 series, as well as the X3, X5, and X6.
Jim Hoffman 4:49PM (3/04/2009)
I have drive the xi wagon and sedan. Issue is that the nearest service is 210 miles afar.
bebop 9:28PM (3/04/2009)
Wagons = efficient utility with style. I'd love to see one of these in AWD and diesel.
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LaTazman 11:28PM (3/07/2009)
Honda--- Wake up! Been waiting on you diesels for years. Accord, CRV, even Civic --we are ready. All three have been making better MPG in diesel form overseas than the hybrids have been making here. Well, I for one will take my farewell from Honda (been driving only Hondas since 1992) if I don't get my diesel soon.
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